Entries by Region Nine

Group aims for inclusion

Fairmont – Last October, several dozen people participated in a community discussion on race at Fairmont Elementary School. Two weeks ago, a follow-up discussion occurred, and on Thursday a third meeting took place to continue the conversation. The discussion was led by Bukata Hayes, executive director of the Greater Mankato Diversity Council, who was working in […]

Forum at TCU generates discussions on diversity, racial equity

According to Jessica O’Brien of the Region Nine Development Commission, the white population in Le Sueur County is projected to decrease in the years to come while other racial populations remain the same or increase. O’Brien offered this information at a forum on race held Monday evening, April 16 in the Tri-City United High School cafeteria. […]

Broadband can be life or death for rural areas: How are we doing?

NORTH MANKATO — The threat to rural Minnesota used to be measured mostly by the lack of good paying jobs needed to keep young people staying in or moving to small towns. Bill Coleman says the presence or absence of dependable, speedy broadband service is now the key to rural Minnesota’s success or failure. “Even […]

March E-Newsletter

There is an increasing trend of workers choosing to delay retirement, whether out of economic necessity or by choice.   “Public policy has encouraged workers to stay on the job longer,” shared Kristian Braekkan, Region Nine’s Senior Regional Planner.   Read Now  

Madelia Comprehensive Plan Open for Review

The draft of the Madelia Comprehensive Plan is ready for public review. The process started in January 2017 with an online community survey, a series of community engagement events and city council meetings. The draft document represents the culmination of all the public input and community effort. Citizens are encouraged to review the document by […]